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As I lop off the horses’ tails for winter to prevent mud braids and look around at the autumn trees dropping their leaves, it's got me thinking: what do you need to let fall away in order to grow? What could you let go of to make room for something new to spring?
We often hold onto things, whether they're habits, relationships, or projects, that no longer serve us. But why? And how do we know when it’s time to release something to make space for growth?
It could be:
Thinking patterns – The stories you tell yourself about how your horse will behave today, before even giving them a chance.
Relationships – The instructor who makes you feel inadequate rather than empowered.
Methods – The way you were taught to do something that no longer fits with what you’ve learned.
Projects – The DIY task you thought would save money but remains unfinished, draining your energy.
Adopting a growth mindset requires energy. The more you invest in things that don’t serve you, the less energy you have for what could truly help you grow.
Why Do We Hold On to Things That No Longer Serve Us?
Letting go isn’t always easy, even when we know we should. Here’s why we often cling to things:
Comfort in Familiarity: Sticking with what we know feels safer than facing the unknown.
Fear of Failure or Regret: Letting go can feel like giving up or making the wrong choice.
Sentimentality: We attach things to our memories, identity, or feelings of security, making it hard to move on.
Hope for Change: We often hold out hope that things or people will improve over time.
Commitment: A sense of duty or responsibility keeps us tied to things we’ve invested in, even if they no longer benefit us.
Self-Doubt: We feel guilty for prioritizing our own needs or worry what others will think if we let go.
Identity: What we hold onto often defines us, and letting go can feel like losing a part of ourselves.
Sense of Control: Clinging to things gives us a sense of control, even if it’s an illusion.
Change Is Hard: It’s easier to stick to familiar routines, even when they’re no longer helpful.
Fear of Emptiness: Letting go creates space, and we fear what might (or might not) fill that void.
How Do You Know When It’s Time to Let Go?
So how do you tell if something is worth holding onto or if it’s time to let go?
Start with honesty—look at things as they are, not as you wish they were. Ask yourself: Does this serve my growth or drain my energy? Am I holding on out of fear, habit, or guilt? What might I gain if I let this go?
Reframe your mindset. Letting go isn’t about losing; it’s about making space for something better.
Trust the process. Whether you let go gradually or all at once, make room for new habits, experiences, and positive energy to flow into your life.
What Could You Let Go of Today?
Take a moment to reflect. What could you release today to make space for growth? It might be a limiting belief, a project, or a relationship that no longer empowers you. Letting go opens the door to new opportunities, so ask yourself: What’s worth keeping, and what’s holding me back?
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